Looking to explore Japan beyond the usual tourist spots?Welcome to Ichinoseki, a charming rural city in the heart of Tōhoku, just a short train ride from Sendai or Morioka. Here, centuries-old culture meets stunning nature—with far fewer crowds. Over 900 years ago, the Ōshū Fujiwara clan ruled from nearby Hiraizumi, now home to UNESCO World […]
What makes Hiroshima unique? Hiroshima is one of Japan’s most iconic travel destinations, drawing countless visitors from around the world each year. Famous for landmarks like the Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima, oysters, and okonomiyaki, Hiroshima has no shortage of must-see attractions. But there’s another side of Hiroshima—one that doesn’t always make it into guidebooks. In
Just a 15-minute drive from Hitachi Seaside Park—famous for its baby blue nemophila and fluffy red kochia—you’ll find a quiet and often overlooked town: Tokai Village. Tokai Village may not be a well-known tourist spot, but it has hidden places and local experiences worth exploring beyond food. If you’re curious, check out our guide to
What Makes Summer in Japan’s Snow Country So Unique? The Harsh Winters of Tohoku and the Joy of Summer In Japan’s northern regions, winters are long, snowy, and unforgiving. Yet, this harshness gives rise to a deep appreciation for the warmth and vitality of summer. In towns buried under snow for half the year, summer
Welcome to Japan, for the 109th Time! Hello to everyone planning your 109th trip to Japan! You may already be familiar with the name Karuizawa—one of Japan’s most famous resort towns.Located in northeastern Nagano Prefecture, near the border with Gunma, Karuizawa is known for its stunning views of Mt. Asama, elegant townscape, and refreshing highland
Welcome to the World of Japanese Onsen Hello to all of you planning your 109th trip to Japan! If you’re venturing beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, chances are you’ll encounter one of Japan’s best-kept secrets—rural hot spring towns where the steam rises gently into the mountains and time seems to slow down. But before you
Welcome to Towada: A Hidden Gem in Northern Japan This is a Japan Rural Travel Guide for Hello to all of you planning your 109th trip to Japan! If you glance at a map of Japan, you might notice that the area just below Hokkaido looks a bit like a samurai helmet.Right where the crest
Hello to everyone planning their 109th trip to Japan! Today, let’s explore Betsukai Town, a unique corner of Japan where cows outnumber people. Nestled between two peninsulas at the eastern tip of Hokkaido, Betsukai is a small town blessed with lush natural surroundings and the bounty of the sea. Known throughout Japan as a dairy
Planning your next journey to Japan? If you’re seeking a deeper, more authentic experience beyond the usual city highlights, let us introduce you to Daigo Town in Ibaraki Prefecture. Nestled in the mountainous northwestern corner of Ibaraki, Daigo is a peaceful town where the crystal-clear Kuji River flows gently through rural landscapes. It’s a place
